CHURCH ATTENDANCE

Does Church Attendance Get You Into Heaven?

Why can’t I Just Stay Home And Pray? I did not always like to go church like many of us when I was growing up. I knew that it was good for me to hearGod’s word.To answer the question, I would have to say no, because the thief on the cross did not attend church but Jesus said he would be with Him in paradise. Although we are called to gather in fellowship with one another, to encourage, strengthen, walk in faith together.

Yes, as a youngster my attention wandered. I used to ask myself when I was a kid, why even attend church, it was not until I got a little older to understand why! I learned that going to church was meant for honoring God on Sundays, which should also reflect the rest of the week, don’t you? But thank God now as an adult, I do enjoy going to church, hearing God’s Word, and fellowshipping with other believers on a regular basis. Why attend church is no longer a question to ask me.

Why is church attendance necessary?

Church attendance isnecessary for fellowshipwith other believers, to support one another and love one another, while also trying to reach out to others who might not know the Lord yet. Learning about God is another great reason for church attendance. Whatever you do, do not take church for granted, We are blessed to be able to attend church and honor and worship God who from all good things come. ~ Bill Greguska

“We are one because He has won.” Original spoken word performance, part of Harvestfest 2015: Reconcile at Elmbrook Church. Many thanks to Cedric Hoard: cdhpoetry@gmail.com Posted by Elmbrook Church on Monday, October 26, 2015

How Important Is Church Attendance?

Scriptures Concerning The Church:

Do not be fooled thinking that just because you go to church that does not mean you are a Christian!

John 4:24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Matthew 18:15-17 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

Church Attendance, Why Is It So Important?

A churchgoer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. ‘I’ve gone for 30 years now, he wrote, and in that time I have heard something like 3,000sermons, but for the life of me, I can’t remember a single one of them. So, I think I’m wasting my time, and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.

A real controversy started in the ‘Letters to the Editor’column. Much to the delight of the editor, it went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher: I’ve been married for 30 years now. In that time, my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals.

But I do know this: They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!’

~ Author Unknown

Not Attending A Church, But Looking For One?

When looking for a Church to attend, you need to pray and ask God which one is right for you. But, here are a few guidelines to help you in your search for your local church home.

Look for a church that studies the Bible. Jesus said “feed my sheep,” and in the Old Testament, God said His Word was wheat for our souls. In a healthy church, you will find church members regularly studying the Bible together because they are intensely hungry to know God.

Look for a church that is filled with people who pray. Paul said to pray without ceasing; Jesus said people ought always to pray where God’s people will call upon Him in with their whole heart.

Look for a church that worships in Spirit and truth. A misunderstanding often exists between those who prefer older hymns and those who prefer more modern choruses to be sung in worship.

Two more ideas about church attendance to consider:

Look for a church that is filled with people who love one another. Jesus said the earmark of discipleship is our love for each other; John said if we do not love each other, we are not followers of Christ; the early Christians were known for their reputation of loving each other. Biblical love is not a feeling, not a warm emotion, as we often think of love. Biblical love is action, it is not what we feel, it is what we do.

Look for a church that is growing in numbers, not because adding more bodies is a goal, but because a healthy church is filled with people who love God so much that they want to share that love with others, so they are consequently involved in evangelism, outreach, missions and social ministry. A healthy church is filled with people who tell other people about Jesus.

In a healthy church, some people are regularly out on the streets telling passersby of the Savior who loves them, and others are calling on old friends and sharing the gospel with them. In a healthy church, everyone has a burden, a burning desire, to see others know Jesus.

A healthy church is a Bible-learning church, also a praying church, a worshiping church; a loving church, and a healthy church is an evangelizing church. When looking for a church home, make sure you look for these things.

Three priorities you should consider when you look for a Spirit-lead church (or choose to become a Spirit-led person) by Pastor Phillip Griffin

Solid Biblical teaching

Powerful anointed worship

Intimate, deep fellowship

You Still Ask, “Why Do I Need Church Attendance?”

I think the answer is keeping in mind that a hospital is for those who are sick and ill, and a church is for sinners. Both places are meant to heal. One physically and one spiritually.

A real Christian church can be compared to a real hospital. In a hospital, people need healing for whatever they are there for. As sinners,we are aware that we have sinnedin our lives and need the Great Physician to heal us.

I like the explanation that a person being in a garage does not make him or her a car. Likewise, being in a church does not make a man or woman a Christian. Just because a person professes to be a Christian, does not make them a Christian. Christians are not sinless– they just sinless because they know the Lord and want to do His will andfollow His ways.

Feel comfortable in the church you choose

One of the most import things about church attendance is to find someplace near where you live. Visit some churches before you commit to one. Keep praying about finding a church! Hopefully, church attendance is right around the corner for you? And, remember that no matter how hard you look, there is not a perfect church. (You’ll never find a perfect church because churches are made up of sinners saved by grace, or on the way to be saved by grace!) If you’ve prayed and evaluated each one you visit according to the five Spirit-led principles above, you have a better chance of finding the church for you.

If you live in the Milwaukee area or plan to visit in the future, consider attending Elmbrook Church, a non-denominational, Bible-believing Christian Church with a purpose!The sermons and worship music each week point people towards Jesus Christ. They have many dedicated pastors and staff working together to teach God’s Word and bring education, restoration, and encouragement to people of all ages. 2 Corinthians 13:11

Pastor Stuart Briscoe has been recognized with transforming Elmbrook from a church of a few hundred people to one of the largest in the country. I am very thankful that I was introduced to Elmbrook church and attended there for 23 years!

Please contact us if you have any questions or comments, or just would like some encouragement.

If you still have questions about church attendance, check out this link: Does a person have toattend church to go to heaven?

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.